Skip to main content

Construction and Building Trades

Construction and Building Trades

Why should you study construction and building trades?

The demand for skilled construction workers is constantly on the rise. Just consider Sheffield alone - everywhere you look, something is being built!

Mastering a building trade will allow you to pursue a career in an industry that is costantly in demand and provide a feeling of job security.

The construction industry has a variety of careers, but some examples include:

  • Painters and Decorators
  • Bricklayers
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
Construction and Building Trades

"I believe the HNC I'm studying will help to give me the technical knowledge that I need to become a better site manager."

Beth Turner, HNC Diploma in Construction and Apprentice

Which programme is right for me?

Picking the right course is the first step in your construction career.

Whether you choose a full-time study programme and pick your own specialism, or learn on-the-job with an Apprenticeship vacancy, or even choose one of our brand new T Levels, we're sure to have something that suits you and your learning style. 

 

T Levels

T Levels are a brand-new 2-year qualification which can be studied after you finish school instead of A Levels, Apprenticeships or vocational study programmes.

T Levels have been created with top employers, and mix classroom learning and industry experience so that you get the skills and knowledge to help you progress into your dream career.

From September 2023 we will be offering the following Construction and Building Trade T Levels:

KEY SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

All of our study programmes contain a mixture of theory and practical work experience. You will spend a high percentage of your time in our industry-standard workshops with our Tutors, watching live demonstrations and then practising the skills that you've learnt.

Across all of our study programmes, some of the key skills and knowledge you will gain and develop will include:

  • Up-to-date health and safety qualifications
  • Working as part of a team on large projects
  • Business skills

Who we work with

Our students have fantastic opportunities to work with and learn from some of the best employers in the region, including:

  • Taylor Tuxford
  • The Horbury Group
  • Phoenix Brickwork

HOW WILL YOU BE PREPARED FOR THE WORLD OF WORK?

Because a lot of our tutors have worked in the construction sector, we have a lot of connections with local businesses and employers in the industry. This means that you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with those people who might be looking to hire you in the future. It could take the form of visiting guest speakers, class trips to local building sites, competitions and project briefs set by employers or the opportunity to undertake some work experience with a construction firm. Whatever the opportunity, try to take as much from it as possible so that you can use it to your advantage when it comes to applying for jobs.

Some students will also be able to join our Kier Construction Employer Skills Academy, providing them with the opportunity to work closely with representatives from Kier, in order to develop their professional industry knowledge and to build on the practical experience they have gained in the classroom.

WHERE WILL YOU BE STUDYING?

Our custom-built facilities are what really sets our construction study programmes apart. We have dedicated spaces for all of the key construction trades, including:

City Campus

  • Carpentry and joinery workshops (with enough floor space for life-sized projects!)
  • Bricklaying workshop with individual work stations
  • Painting and decorating studio with individual work stations
  • Electrical installation workshop with individual work stations

 

 

Olive Grove Campus

  • Fully-fitted plumbing workshop/classroom

 

What can I do once I finish my studies?

With construction projects in Sheffield springing up left, right and centre, job opportunities in this sector are set to increase. There are predicted to be 1,200 new jobs available in the local South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority by 2026!

CAREERS ADVICE AND SUPPORT TO HELP YOU GO FURTHER

Choosing a career path when you've only just left school can seem like a daunting prospect, but our experienced Careers Advice Team are on hand to offer you the best impartial and informed careers guidance going.

We want your experience to be as enjoyable as possible. We don’t think you should have to worry about much so you can concentrate on having a great time and doing well on your course. That’s why we have a fantastic Student Support Team, who are always on hand to help you with any questions, concerns, or problems that you might face whilst at college, including, study support, finances, childcare, and mental health and well-being.

Example careers

Ever wondered how much an accountant is South Yorkshire earns? Or what skills you need to become a developer?

Electricians and electrical fitters

Starting Salary
£23,088

Average Salary
£27,898

High-end Salary
£32,708

Carpenters and joiners

Starting Salary
£20,202

Average Salary
£25,012

High-end Salary
£27,898

Construction site supervisor

Starting Salary
£25,000

Average Salary
£35,000

High-end Salary
£45,000

What Courses are available

Construction and Building Trades icon

Carpentry and Joinery

City Campus
Level 2

More info